Calcinosis in scleroderma made crystal clear.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Review the current state of knowledge and recent developments in the field of scleroderma-related calcinosis [systemic sclerosis (SSc)-calcinosis], focusing on emerging information related to pathophysiology.

RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies have begun to characterize that factors that regulate ectopic mineralization, and those that underlie the imbalance of promoters and inhibitors of this process in SSc.

SUMMARY: Calcinosis cutis due to ectopic mineralization is a common and highly troublesome complication of SSc. Despite its significant prevalence and clinical impact, the pathogenesis is poorly understood and effective treatment is lacking. More research to better understand the pathophysiology is needed for the identification of novel management strategies for this severe complication of SSc.